As you focus on planning your email marketing campaigns, how much thought and time have you put into creating your welcome message to new subscribers? You have heard us talk about how important the welcome message is. You probably know that the welcome message has some of the highest open rates of any of your messages. But is one welcome message enough? To some the answer is yes, but to most, I’d think outside the box and say no. I would consider doing a welcome message series.

A welcome message series allows you to really engage your contacts and potential customers with a series of messages (usually two or three at most). These messages are done through the iContact Autoresponder tool and are a great way to follow up to make sure your new contacts are getting what they need. I recommend a two- or three-message approach and have outlined what these messages could look like below.

Welcome Message #1 – (Immediately after signing up) The first message your customer receives is the most important. In this message you should thank the customer again for signing up and remind them what the value is for them signing up to receive your emails. Also be sure to include all the ways that they can find you. The welcome message is when they are the most engaged, so this is a great time to get them to follow you on Twitter and Facebook. This is also the best time to get them to add you to their address book or safe sender list. Then, if you have offered a coupon or download after signing up, put that next. That will allow them to scroll through the other info first and then get what you promised them.

Welcome Message #2 – (7 days after signing up) Is your website hard to navigate? Are there specific parts of your website that you really want your customers to know about? Maybe you have a rewards program or a refer-a-friend program that would be beneficial to them. Highlight those in your message, and show your subscribers pictures of where to find that information on your website. You could also include three or four of your best articles here.

Welcome Message #3 – (14 days after signing up) Perhaps you might want to add a survey after two weeks to see how your contacts are liking your site and your newsletter. Ask them for feedback, and thank them with a discount or a coupon. Pledge to use the feedback improve your communication with them.

Taking the time to focus on your welcome message can lead to a better relationship with your subscribers.

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